In confirmation bias the observer interprets findings as confirming the observer's theories or beliefs. This is the most unscientific of biases, since beliefs trump data.
Synonyms: confirmatory bias, myside bias
If the findings do support the observer's beliefs then this may go undetected.
Areas where problems may arise:
(1) A tendency to exclude data that contradicts the observer's beliefs.
(2) A tendency to not question things that support beliefs.
(3) A tendency to overinterpret the significance of weak data.
(4) A tendency to ignore the significance of contradictory findings.
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